Animal experimentation

Millions of mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, primates and other animals are killed each year in the U.S. in scientific research, product and cosmetic testing, and in education. The animal’s only legal protection, the federal Animal Welfare Act does not cover rats, mice or fish, despite the fact that they make up approx. 95% of all animals used in research. The Act does not prohibit any experiment, no matter how frivolous or painful.

The justification for using animals in experiments is usually a promise of scientific discovery. Research institutions promise cures to diseases such as AIDS, cancer and diabetes. The reality is that creating disease in healthy animals is an unreliable way to study human diseases. Because of biological differences between species, animal research yields results that cannot be safely applied to humans.

Animal rights advocates are not anti-science. We believe animals have the right to not be exploited as experimental subjects, but we are also convinced that animal research harms humans by diverting research dollars that should be going to proven methods of curing disease. An increasing number of doctors and scientists are voicing their opposition to animal research based on scientific reasons.

Innovative non-animal research methods such as human clinical and in vitro (test tube) research, cell and tissue cultures, epidemiology, and genetic research are more effective methods of studying disease and to test the effectiveness and toxicity of drugs.

If you are concerned about the welfare of animals in laboratories, please become involved in ARFF’s campaigns against animal research.

Troubled by dissection?
Students in Florida public schools (grades K-12) have the right to refuse to dissect on animals (Florida statute 1003.47).

Today, there are many humane alternatives to classroom dissection— including models, computer software and other state-of-the-art educational materials. Visit Animalearn.org for more information about alternative methods.

Please contact ARFF if your school has refused to provide you with an alternative to dissection, or if you feel that you are being penalized for choosing a non-animal alternative.

You Can Help

The dissection of cats is banned in Miami-Dade and Broward County public schools, the two largest school districts in Florida. Contact your county school board and ask them to ban or restrict animal dissections.